Shapla Stresses Equality and Empowerment in E-Commerce Election Bid

Jannatul Haque Shapla, CEO of Azure Cuisine and a candidate for director in the 2025–2027 term of the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), has pledged to ensure equal opportunity and rights for every entrepreneur in the country’s e-commerce sector.

Speaking at a networking event with technology journalists held on Wednesday evening (7 May) at the Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan, Shapla said, “I have been actively involved in e-commerce for a long time. Although I didn’t step forward before, I now have the opportunity. I want every entrepreneur to operate their business with confidence, rebuild customer trust, and establish a positive global image for Bangladeshi e-commerce.”

Highlighting the need to enhance women’s participation and capacity in the digital business landscape, she stated, “Through my platform ‘Shoilir Chhoa’, I have already supported 100 women entrepreneurs with small-scale investments and training to help them become skilled in e-commerce and f-commerce. In the future, I aim to expand this initiative and ensure women's presence in international markets as well.”

Outlining her priority plans if elected, Shapla said these would include establishing a secure environment for entrepreneurs to run their businesses, rebuilding consumer trust, maintaining fair competition, modernizing logistics and digital payment systems, creating a support center for member development, forming a startup fund, and drafting e-commerce-friendly policies in partnership with the government.

“With everyone’s cooperation, I want to transform the e-commerce sector into a transparent, trustworthy, and growth-oriented industry,” she added. “I have not come to take from this industry but to contribute to it. If I win, it will be a victory for the entire e-commerce community.”

The upcoming e-CAB election for the 2025–2027 term is scheduled for 31 May, with 36 candidates vying for 11 director posts.